Assessment and quantification of urine loss in incontinent women

Urinary incontinence is a common symptom that frequently causes women embarrassment, loss of self-esteem and physical problems such as vulvar irritation. It is, therefore, important to accurately assess incontinence in order to offer appropriate treatment. This article provides an overview of incontinence, as well as the assessment and treatment of the incontinent woman. Two versions of a simple, objective measure of urine loss, called a pad test, are presented. The article concludes with a brief discussion of non-surgical interventions which can be initiated and managed by the nurse practitioner.